Construction crews shifted U.S. 331 north and southbound traffic to the newly constructed bridge across Choctawhatchee Bay Monday, May 16.
North and southbound traffic will continue sharing the new bridge while work is completed to reconstruct the existing roadway approaches. All work on the new 2.4-mile structure is currently slated for completion in spring 2017.
The new bridge, combined with two adjoining construction projects that are widening U.S. 331 to four travel lanes between the Choctawhatchee Bay and I-10, represent an investment of more than $194 million in the state's transportation infrastructure. Together these projects enhance safety, improve mobility, and support future economic development potential for Walton County and the surrounding region.
The traffic shift permanently closes the boat launch at the former Wheeler Point Park that was located between the new bridge and Bay Grove Road South. The park will be replaced by a new recreational area beneath the southern approach of the new bridge. The recreational area will feature a public boat launch, fishing pier, restrooms, observation areas, and free parking spaces. It is scheduled to open at the conclusion of the bridge construction project in spring 2017.
For more project information and the latest traffic advisories, visit www.facebook.com/USHighway331. You may also follow the Florida Department of Transportation District Three on Twitter @myfdot_nwfl or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyFDOTNWFL.
Replies
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SoWal Insider
I was near there this morning, so I took a cruise over the new bridge. Many memories of the "really old bridge", which was wooden trestles with a draw bridge, and a bridge keeper's shack. I'm not sure anyone will remember or care why the design of this set of bridges is so quirky, but for history sake, here it is: The" medium old concrete bridge" was offset from the existing causeways, so that people could still use the old wooden bridge during construction. I believe the old wooden bridge and causeway were constructed in 1936, but not totally sure. Anyway, when they came to build this new bridge, it was deemed environmentally unsound to widen the existing north causeway, so the continuation of the new bridge gently curves eastward and now stays elevated above the water, heading north. If we ever have to pile onto that bridge in case of hurricane evacuation, I can tell you, we will feel safe. And the view is even better. I've been waiting for a lot of decades to see some beautification of the causeways, and I'm sure it will be great. And as for the quirky design, to me, it looks like art.
Beach Fanatic
I was near there this morning, so I took a cruise over the new bridge. Many memories of the "really old bridge", which was wooden trestles with a draw bridge, and a bridge keeper's shack. I'm not sure anyone will remember or care why the design of this set of bridges is so quirky, but for history sake, here it is: The" medium old concrete bridge" was offset from the existing causeways, so that people could still use the old wooden bridge during construction. I believe the old wooden bridge and causeway were constructed in 1936, but not totally sure. Anyway, when they came to build this new bridge, it was deemed environmentally unsound to widen the existing north causeway, so the continuation of the new bridge gently curves eastward and now stays elevated above the water, heading north. If we ever have to pile onto that bridge in case of hurricane evacuation, I can tell you, we will feel safe. And the view is even better. I've been waiting for a lot of decades to see some beautification of the causeways, and I'm sure it will be great. And as for the quirky design, to me, it looks like art.
Awesome! And thanks for the info! Do you happen to have any pictures of the "really old bridge" to share?
SoWal Insider
No, I wish I did. That would be a great find.
Moderator
I can remember barges hitting the bridge on two occasions and killing the bridge master on at least one of those.
SWGB
I can remember barges hitting the bridge on two occasions and killing the bridge master on at least one of those.
I believe that led to the ferry. Some fun stories about that.
SWGB
Just for giggles search the forum for some folks who didn't think we needed a bridge...
Beach Lover
Is there any way to access 30A without using 331? We are coming fromSt. Louis.
SoWal Insider
If you head south out of Montgomery on I-65, you have to find some way to get to I-10 west of Crestview. At Crestview, you turn south off I-10 headed for Niceville and Destin, and the mid-bay bridge. When you hit 98, head east , through Sandestin, and then 30-A will appear on you right. Good luck. (Only the last ten or fifteen miles of 331 are "under construction", so a significant detour may not be worth it.
Beach Fanatic
South on I-65 to exit 115 Georgiana go left over interstate on Highway 55 follow (4 lane @65mph) to Andaloosa turn left at Zackbys. Follow to 331 in Opp,Al. The on to highway 98. Mile from 30A..Do Not go through Destin on any Saturday in season.....
Beach Fanatic
The bay fill (or as commonly referred to now, the causeways) was dredged and secured in 1939. The drawbridge was completed later. My grandfather was the captain of the dredgeboat crew responsible for construction of the Intracoastal in 1936 and later the bay fill. His oldest daughter was my mother, who met a certain boy in Point Washington during the first stay and became engaged to him during the second stay. Years later, my mom's sister married Grayton Beach's most eligible batchelor. In case you wonder why I jump in whenever historical stuff is mentioned, that's why. 
Beach Fanatic
Oh and the drawbridge was hit/bumped many times. I was on the bridge during two of those bumps (clean pants required afterward). But only twice was it sent plummeting into the bay. First time we got an old charter boat for a passenger ferry, primarily to get schoolchildren to Freeport. But if you had business to regularly conduct north of the bay, you simply put a spare car on the north side. The second time was a car ferry. 28 years ago. No way could there be a feasible way to handle as much traffic as crosses the bridge now.
Serving the Community!Author
U.S. 331 Opens from Choctawhatchee Relief Bay Bridge to State Road 20
The U.S. 331 widening project between the Choctawhatchee Relief Bay Bridge and State Road 20 in Walton County will reach a milestone on Wednesday, July 6 when all four lanes of traffic will be open to drivers.
Work to widen 4.6 miles of the roadway from two to four lanes began fall 2012 and is scheduled to be complete late summer 2016. Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures as crews complete punch list items.
Construction activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Motorists are reminded to pay attention to the speed limit when traveling through the construction area and to use caution when driving in the work zones.
For more information, follow the Florida Department of Transportation District Three on Twitter @myfdot_nwfl or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyFDOTNWFL. For information on the project, like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/UsHighway331.
The U.S. 331 widening project between the Choctawhatchee Relief Bay Bridge and State Road 20 in Walton County will reach a milestone on Wednesday, July 6 when all four lanes of traffic will be open to drivers.
Work to widen 4.6 miles of the roadway from two to four lanes began fall 2012 and is scheduled to be complete late summer 2016. Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures as crews complete punch list items.
Construction activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Motorists are reminded to pay attention to the speed limit when traveling through the construction area and to use caution when driving in the work zones.
For more information, follow the Florida Department of Transportation District Three on Twitter @myfdot_nwfl or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyFDOTNWFL. For information on the project, like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/UsHighway331.
SoWal Insider
How is the flow of traffic since this construction has been completed? We don't come that way anymore because of the slow movement through there just to get to 98. And going back home on 331 on a Saturday took forever to get through. Was a massive backup of cars leaving PC Beach and 30A at the same time the last time we were on it. Was backed up down PC Beach Parkway toward Panama City Beach just to turn onto 331. Where we stay now we come in Hwy 79.
Beach Fanatic
How is the flow of traffic since this construction has been completed? We don't come that way anymore because of the slow movement through there just to get to 98. And going back home on 331 on a Saturday took forever to get through. Was a massive backup of cars leaving PC Beach and 30A at the same time the last time we were on it. Was backed up down PC Beach Parkway toward Panama City Beach just to turn onto 331. Where we stay now we come in Hwy 79.Avoid at all cost Saturday mornings north and afternoons south.
SWGB
Otherwise with the opening of 4 lanes from the bridge to 20 speeds things up nicely. I usually budgeted about an hour of time to get to Defuniak and made it in about 40 minutes yesterday.
Beach Lover
Let's see how it affects Saturday traffic...
Beach Fanatic
Otherwise with the opening of 4 lanes from the bridge to 20 speeds things up nicely. I usually budgeted about an hour of time to get to Defuniak and made it in about 40 minutes yesterday.So that's you holding me up headed north...LOL....south of 30A to florala always 60 minutes +/- Monday-Friday..... Defuniak around 30+/-
Beach Fanatic
I drove 331 North at about 4:30 am Wednesday morning, and wondered why only one lane was still open in each direction as it all appeared to be complete, but by the time I left Thursday afternoon around 1:30 pm, all lanes between the bridge and 20 were open and it was much better.
Beach Fanatic
I drove 331 North at about 4:30 am Wednesday morning, and wondered why only one lane was still open in each direction as it all appeared to be complete, but by the time I left Thursday afternoon around 1:30 pm, all lanes between the bridge and 20 were open and it was much better.It has Looked finished for last 6 months
Admin
I drove 331 North at about 4:30 am Wednesday morning, and wondered why only one lane was still open in each direction as it all appeared to be complete, but by the time I left Thursday afternoon around 1:30 pm, all lanes between the bridge and 20 were open and it was much better.DOT has said there will be periodic lane closures.
SWGB
So that's you holding me up headed north...LOL....south of 30A to florala always 60 minutes +/- Monday-Friday..... Defuniak around 30+/-
Sorry I follow speed limits and maybe 5 over.
SoWal Insider
Let's see how it affects Saturday traffic...
Did anyone happen to know how the traffic was today on 331? Always seemed like forever from Defuniak Springs to PC Beach Parkway.
Beach Comber
We left 30a this afternoon around 12:30 headed north on 331. All four lanes were open from the bridge to Freeport and traffic was moving smoothly both ways (north and south). Once past the Freeport intersection where lanes were reduced back to two, traffic going north didn't significantly slow down, but traffic heading south was backed up. We made it to Defuniak in 40 minutes, which is about 10 minutes less than usual.
Beach Fanatic
We left 30a this afternoon around 12:30 headed north on 331. All four lanes were open from the bridge to Freeport and traffic was moving smoothly both ways (north and south). Once past the Freeport intersection where lanes were reduced back to two, traffic going north didn't significantly slow down, but traffic heading south was backed up. We made it to Defuniak in 40 minutes, which is about 10 minutes less than usual.I think Defuniak is a good 30-40 minute trip..guess we don't drive speed limit +5
LOL
Beach Lover
I drove from 30A to defuniak this morning at 8:30. Not only did traffic start moving once I crossed the bridge, it started moving very fast! There was quite a bit of traffic (Saturday checkouts) and I was surrounded by cars so I was going with the flow and realized we were going about 72 mph. I slowed down but cars were flying past me. They are going to have to do something about speed through there as there are too many side roads, businesses, and residences entering and exiting 331 for that kind of speed. There was one police car sitting in the median but his lights weren't on and the cars slowed to about 55 just long enough to get past him, then sped back up. Once we got to,Freeport and went to 2 lanes it slowed to a normal speed again, thankfully.
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